Phrae Hotels, Guesthouses and Resorts
Hotel scene in Phrae is nor exactly flourishing but there are a couple of very solid options in all price-ranges. Our top recommendation is definitely Ban Thep which is a highlight of any trip to Phrae.
Budget
Next to the post office, Priwan’s Homestay (Weera Road) is the cheapest option for a solo traveller you can find in the old city. A traditional two-storey teak house that features a number of no-frills rooms starting at THB150 for a single (a double room comes at THB250). Not a lot more than a bed and a fan, but a mosquito net is an extra touch that is quite uncommon in a budget guesthouse. The shared toilette is also quite basic, but well maintained and always clean. There are motorbikes for rent while bicycle are free to use for the guests. The owner is extremely friendly and she likes to indulge in conversation and to practice her (good) English with whoever is in search for advice or simply up for a chat.
A valuable alternative in the same price range is Bussarakum (39/12 Ratchadamnoen Road), just a couple of blocks south of Priwan next to the police station. Even if it’s technically outside the old town, Bussarakun is close to the moat and still within walking distance from everything you might want to visit. The building is less appealing from the first sight, and the rooms would need a renovation, but the beds are comfortable enough and all the rooms come with an attached bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and it works really well. Free shuttle service to the airport is offered to the guests and bicycles can be rented for THB100 a day. Rates start at THB230 for a double room with fan; add THB100 if you need air-con.
For a cheap alternative close to the bus station, take a look at Paradorn Hotel (177 Yantrakitkoson Rd). A big concrete building that doesn’t look too promising from outside but which actually offers large double rooms with attached bathroom (hot shower) and Wi-Fi, TV and fridge starting at THB350 (with fan, air-con rooms start at THB450). A complimentary breakfast is included in the rate.
Mid-Range
A few hundred meters outside the old town on the same road as Bussarakum, Mee Bed and Breakfast (16/5 Ratchadamnoen Road) is a modern hotel run by a young couple speaking good English and designed to resemble a NYC loft. If you fancy industrial architecture and you’re searching for something more than a simple guesthouse, this is the place to go. Rooms are big, designed with style with close attention for any single detail, and everything is new and spotless. The bathrooms are modern and pleasant, Wi-Fi and air-con work great. The western breakfast included into the price is a way better that what you can have in the majority of the hotels in this price range we’ve stayed in Thailand. A nice little bar always full of cool people is a great place to hang out for a beer. A double room will come for THB750.
Top End
For those looking for a special atmospheric place to stay, we will definitely recommend considering Baan Thep (8/1 Tesaban 2 Road). It is a historic teak house in the northern end of the old city which offers only 4 guest rooms. It’s a kind of a homestay, but in a wonderful mansion that will make you feel like going back in time. Living in the house is like living in a museum and the owner is always available to tell you a story or two about the countless memorabilia inside the house. The rooms are nice, comfortable and, needless to say, superbly designed. Because of the limited number of rooms, we would recommend you to book in advance if you decide to stay here. The price for one night starts at THB1300 and breakfast is included.
